engleski

Effect of competition on habitat utilization in two temperate climate gecko species

Competition over spatial niche utilisation is one of most common competitive interactions between species in sympatry. Moreover, competitive interactions may involve age classes, and can fluctuate temporally. Consequently, evasive strategies that enable co-existence are likely to be important in the evolution of species assemblages. Here we investigate a system of two coexisting species of temperate geckos with similar ecologies (the house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus and the wall gecko, Tarentola mauritanica), providing an opportunity to study the effect of species interactions. Juveniles and adults of both species were investigated throughout their daily and annual cycle to explore the effect of inter- and intra-specific interactions on microhabitat use. The two species showed differences in habitat use for both age classes in sympatry. In sympatry, T. mauritanica uses more open habitats and it is more active. In contrast, H. turcicus is found in more closed habitats, closer to the ground and to the vegetation cover. In allopatry, H. turcicus was observed in more open habitats, closer to the ground, and to vegetation cover, when compared to the population in sympatry with T. mauritanica. Those differences in habitat usage are significant for both age classes. Moreover, there were differences, both in sympatry and in allopatry, between age classes that were dependent on season. In conclusion, the presence of a competitor induces a spatial shift in individuals of both age classes of H. turcicus. Observed plasticity in habitat utilisation in both age classes of H. turcicus is used to argue invasive potential of this species.

Interspecies Interactions; Lizard Ecology; Niche Shift; Spatial Niche; Species Assemblages

nije evidentirano